Half in the Shadows

Chapter Three

Maddie had been awake when Natasha returned. The storm had cleared and the morning sun shone brightly outside when she heard discussion and smelled coffee drifting into the room. Coffee. It had been two years since she had tasted the bitterness she once enjoyed daily. She hadn't gone back to sleep during the night and had instead tried to piece together everything from the last day. Part of her had been too worried of what she would see if she drifted off and the other part didn't want to wake up the rest of the house if she screamed again.

She pushed herself off the bed and over to the door. A voice she didn't recognize mingled with the few she knew. What if VEIL had struck an agreement to get her back and she was about to be returned to them? She swallowed down the paranoia, realizing she was being ridiculous, and headed out into the hall.

"-tracked them down around the country. It's not looking good but it's doable.'

The words were spoken by the voice she didn't know and though she hadn't actually thought she would be handed back to VEIL like a lamb for slaughter, a small piece of her was relieved to know this must be another member of the team. She continued down.

As she appeared, Steve, Natasha, and the owner of the voice stopped and looked at her. She awkwardly gave them a small wave feeling like she was now intruding on something.

"Maddie, this is Sam," Natasha said, nodding in his direction.

Sam walked forward and offered his hand to her.

"Hey, Maddie. Heard a lot about you. How're you holding up?" he asked her as she shook his hand.

"Um...ok I guess. Just confused," she replied, glancing around the room.

She noted that Bucky wasn't in the room and found herself wishing he was. His presence had been a comfort last night and she was currently feeling very uneasy with all eyes on her.

"Totally understandable and completely valid," Sam said, his tone sympathetic. "You've had a rough ride, but we're all in this together now."

She studied him for a moment.

"You're a counselor," she said matter-of-factly. "I recognize the way you're talking to me."

"Oh, I'm not trying-"

"No," she stopped him. "It's ok I just had some training with SHIELD so I noticed it. I don't think some counseling is a bad idea for me actually," she said with a small smile.

Sam looked a bit relieved, obviously thinking he had upset her.

"It's not a bad idea for anyone," he agreed, looking over at Natasha. "See? Even the new girl agrees with me."

Natasha rolled her eyes visibly.

"Right, I'll get on that right away between the constant threats and being on the run," she bit back.

"Maddie," Steve began, ending the bickering. "Think you're up for a bit of discussion?"

Maddie nodded.

"I'll tell you anything for a cup of coffee," she told him.

Steve chuckled, the tension in the room easing slightly.

"Coffee it is. Let's head to the kitchen."

As they moved through the house, Maddie felt the weight of their gazes on her. They were rightfully cautious but it was a bit embarrassing to be treated like she'd transform into some sort of monster at any second.

When they entered the kitchen, the sun poured in through the large windows, contrasting last night when she had watched the storm through them. The counter was cluttered with mugs, a half-eaten pastry, and a few notebooks filled with scrawled notes. Steve motioned for everyone to sit at the small kitchen table.